Gunze Apparel Business Establishes Sustainable Supply Chain

The company is working with suppliers to reduce the amount of plastic waste from our distribution centers and has developed hangers made of 100% PCR material.

Gunze Limited (Headquarters: Osaka, Japan, President: Toshiyasu Saguchi) [TOKYO: 3002] is pleased to announce that Gunze has introduced a "recycled hanger" made of 100% *PCR material from plastic waste at the logistics bases of its Group company, Gunze Distribution Co., Ltd. This initiative is part of Gunze's efforts to promote "company-wide waste recycling" and realize a resource-recycling society. The "recycled hangers" will primarily be used for men's underwear "ASEDORON" and "HOT MAGIC" underwear sold at mass merchandisers. The company will use 350,000 hangers annually.

*PCR: PCR stands for Post-Consumer Recycled. It means the reuse of materials recovered from the marketplace.

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Resource recycling program to produce recycled hangers

• Establish a resource recycling program involving the supply chain

The newly developed "recycled hanger" was developed in collaboration with three suppliers: MATSUDA, CHU-PA, and OKAKEN. The goal of this collaboration is clear: to achieve resource recycling.

Plastic bags for product packaging scheduled for disposal at Gunze's distribution centers are used as raw materials. After delivery to each distribution center, the bags are consolidated at MATSUDA by utilizing OKAKEN's return trips. The bags are first crushed and converted into plastic material for material recycling. CHU-PA uses recycled raw materials to make men's underwear hangers. The hangers are made of 100% recycled PCR material, with no virgin material used. Gunze will reuse them as men's hangers.

We will expand our distribution centers and plant locations and accelerate "company-wide waste recycling" to realize a resource-recycling society.

• About “Re. GUNZE®” Gunze recycled mark

This mark indicates that waste from Gunze products is recycled and used in products and materials that are certified within the company. The mark is also a registered trademark.

• Collaborative Partner Comments

OKAKEN

We've taken proactive steps to address environmental concerns by obtaining green management certifications and implementing eco-driving and modal shift practices. However, the global focus on environmental issues, including decarbonization and carbon neutrality, has intensified.

We were looking for a new project that could contribute to environmental protection by leveraging our strengths. Under these circumstances, we were approached by Gunze about this initiative.

We will use these cases as an opportunity to establish a system for recycling waste packaging, pallets, and corrugated cardboard materials generated in the transportation industry. We have worked with your company to develop this initiative, and we know that a future logistics solution must include a triangular transportation system. This system must have arterial and venous logistics connecting production, consumption and recycling. We are committed to promoting the business of recycling, using our expertise as a logistics company to shape the future of the planet. We are committed to making a meaningful impact on environmental issues. As your partner, we will work on various issues.

MATSUDA

MATSUDA is working to solve waste-related issues. Its management philosophy is "eliminating 'throw-away'." MATSUDA has successfully converted waste plastics into raw materials, but there have been issues with efficient transportation and manufacturing. By working together, we established a system for recycling resources. We will continue to develop environmentally friendly recycling initiatives.

CHU-PA

Gunze has been promoting the use of hangers made from recycled material (using plastic waste) for some time, and now we have the opportunity to participate in and help develop this very meaningful in-house "recycling" initiative. We will continue to work closely with our partner companies to ensure a stable supply. We will monitor global environmental issues like this one closely and be prepared for future developments.

• About Gunze and its apparel business

Gunze, founded in Kyoto in 1896, is a leading developer and manufacturer of medical devices, plastic films, engineering plastics, and apparel. Gunze employs more than 4,800 people in 10 countries worldwide.

The apparel business has had a substantial footprint domestic and overseas markets since its establishment in 1934.

Gunze Apparel pursues "Comfort Solutions for Life" in its apparel products because they are in direct contact with people's skin, and delivers products in which customers can truly feel comfortable.

The company supports comfortable living through innerwear, legwear and lifestyle wear that are close to our customers' daily lives.

*Apparel business website: https://www.gunze.co.jp/english/products/apparelfield/

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Gunze Apparel Business Establishes Sustainable Supply Chain